What is the signature injury in Veterans who served in the Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/Operation New Dawn (OND)?

The signature injury for Veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn is traumatic brain injury (TBI). This condition has been identified as particularly prevalent among service members due to the nature of modern warfare, which includes exposure to blast injuries from explosives. TBI can result from concussive waves related to bombs and other explosive devices, which were common in the combat environments of these operations.

Many Veterans report experiencing symptoms such as headaches, confusion, memory problems, and mood changes, all of which can significantly impact their quality of life. The emphasis on TBI as a signature injury stems from both the frequency of its occurrence and the challenges it presents for diagnosis and treatment.

While PTSD, depression, and amputations are also serious concerns for Veterans, the specific focus on TBI highlights unique characteristics of the combat experiences in these conflicts, making it a prominent and distinct issue within the Veteran population.